East Bay Nation of Men

COM III Report

Michael Burns–Bushwhacker

We just had our 3rd annual Circles of Men Spring event, COM III, at Glen Andrew, our community site within 88 acres of timber and privacy. I knew this year's event would be a slam-dunk success at fulfilling its stated purpose: men from many circles will gather w/ outstanding food, fun, fire, nature, wisdom, and ritual to establish new relationships and renew and deepen old ones. We will support one another to learn from our different cultures and technologies, grow, and transform ourselves, our families, and our communities. All 3 COM gatherings have been the same as far as the men loving the time together.

The container was made safe by our intentions and our actions. This allowed us to be honest with ourselves, to be real about ourselves, and have it be affirmed as to the importance of who we are, what we do, where we show up, why we choose our commitment to standards and service, and that we are not doing this work alone. When each unique circle states their purpose, it turns out that they are very similar in scope: to support one another, our children and families, and our communities so that we make a difference.

But is there something that is more important about the COM events than just a large group of men having a great weekend together and having a break from work, bills, and routine? You bet! I feel there is a subtle, unspoken movement going on around the world to remake our identities. We have been separated by race, religion, gender, and wealth, and this movement is toward a true "global village" where we all work together as neighbors. COM III was a beautiful representation of this movement.

In the case of men in circles, this means expanding the identity of being affiliated to one group of men to being a part of circles of men. Once I was a member of a circle with 60 men, then I connected with another circle, adding 120 more men to my circle, then I reached out to another with 1000 men. I can go anywhere and be with a circle of men who have that common purpose, and after the initial discomfort of not knowing anyone, I am among my men and can be who I am and receive the uniqueness of who they are.

Being with lots of men who are committed to being their best and making a difference in the world is empowering and purposeful. The food, fun, fires, and wisdom of the men is indescribable. See you at COM IV.